QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020

OR

☐

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 1-05707

GEE GROUP INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Illinois

36-6097429

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

7751 Belfort Parkway, Suite 150, Jacksonville, FL 32256

(Address of principal executive offices)

(630) 954-0400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

____________________________________________________________

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, no par value

JOB

NYSE American

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

☐

Accelerated filer

☐

Non-accelerated filer

☒

Smaller reporting company

☒

Emerging Growth Company

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of May 11, 2020 was 15,833,038.

As a matter of policy, the Company does not provide forecasts of future financial performance. The statements made in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements often contain or are prefaced by words such as "believe", "will" and "expect." These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. As a result of a number of factors, our actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Certain factors that might cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, general business conditions, the demand for the Company's services, competitive market pressures, the ability of the Company to attract and retain qualified personnel for regular full-time placement and contract assignments, the possibility of incurring liability for the Company's business activities, including the activities of its contract employees and events affecting its contract employees on client premises, and the ability to attract and retain qualified corporate and branch management, as well as those risks discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2019, and in other documents which we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) and does not intend to update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Preferred series B stock; authorized - 5,950 shares; issued and outstanding - 5,566 and 5,566 at March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively; liquidation value of the preferred series B stock is approximately $27,050 and $27,050 at March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively

27,551

27,551

Preferred series C stock; authorized - 3,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 144 and 60 at March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively; liquidation value of the preferred series C stock is approximately $144 and $60 at March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively

GEE Group Inc. was incorporated in the State of Illinois in 1962 and is the successor to employment offices doing business since 1893. GEE Group Inc. and its wholly owned material operating subsidiaries, Access Data Consulting Corporation, Agile Resources, Inc., BMCH, Inc., Paladin Consulting, Inc., Scribe Solutions, Inc., SNI Companies, Triad Logistics, Inc., and Triad Personnel Services, Inc. (collectively referred to as the “Company”, “us”, “our’, or “we”) are providers of permanent and temporary professional and industrial staffing and placement services in and near several major U.S cities. We specialize in the placement of information technology, accounting, finance, office, engineering, and medical professionals for direct hire and contract staffing for our clients and provide temporary staffing services for our commercial clients.

2. Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2020. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2019 as filed on December 23, 2019.

Liquidity

The Company experienced significant net losses for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, and for its most recent fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, which also have negatively impacted the Company’s ability to generate liquidity. During much of this period, the Company significantly restructured its operations, made significant cost reductions, including closing and consolidating unprofitable locations and eliminating underperforming personnel, implemented strategic management changes, and intensified focus on stabilizing the business and restoring profitable growth. As a result, management believes the Company has begun to see its operations and business stabilize. Effective April 28, 2020, the Company successfully negotiated and entered into the Seventh Amendment to the Credit Agreement with its senior lenders. The Seventh Amendment (as defined below) is the most significant modification of the Company’s senior credit facilities since inception and provides several important concessions and features, including extending the maturity by two years to June 30, 2023, and adjusting (reducing) cash debt service and thereby improving the Company’s ability to generate liquidity. Effective May 5, 2020 the Company entered into the Eighth Amendment to the Credit Agreement with its senior lenders (the “Eighth Amendment”) which allowed the Company and its subsidiaries to obtain loans from BBVA USA (“BBVA”) pursuant to the Payroll Protection Plan (the “PPP”) which was established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“the CARES Act”) and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”).

In approximately mid-March 2020, the Company began to experience the severe negative effects of the economic disruptions resulting from the Coronavirus Pandemic (“COVID-19”). These have included abrupt reductions in demand for the Company primary sources of revenue, its temporary and direct hire placements, lost productivity due to business closings both by clients and at the Company’s own operating locations, and the significant disruptive impacts to many other aspects of normal operations. These effects have and continue to be felt across all businesses, with the most severe impacts being felt in the commercial (light industrial) and finance, accounting and office clerical (“FA&O) end markets within the professional segment.

Between April 29 and May 4, 2020, the Company was able to obtain CARES Act relief financing under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP Loans”) for each of its operating subsidiaries, in the aggregate amount of $19,926. These funds are the only source of financing available to our companies and businesses and are absolutely critical to our ability to maintain operations, including the employment of our temporary and full-time employees, in order to produce and meet our foreseeable liquidity requirements in the midst of this continuing worldwide pandemic.

Management believes that the Company can generate adequate liquidity to meet its obligations for the foreseeable future assuming the negative economic effects of COVID-19 do not worsen, and that economic recovery occurs.

As of March 31, 2020, the Company had cash of approximately $2,379, which was a decrease of approximately $1,676 from approximately $4,055 at September 30, 2019. Working capital at March 31, 2020 was approximately $9,517, as compared to working capital of approximately $8,534 for September 30, 2019.

Principles of Consolidation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Management makes estimates and assumptions that can affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported as of the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as the amounts of reported revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Those estimates and assumptions typically involve expectations about events to occur subsequent to the balance sheet date, and it is possible that actual results could ultimately differ from the estimates.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization announced that a novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) had become pandemic. The COVID-19 had a significant impact on global economies as a result of Federal and Local orders and business closures designed to stop the spread of the virus. We are continuing to monitor developments related to COVID-19 pandemic and related risks including risks related to efforts to mitigate the disease’s spread. The rapid development and fluidity of recent events related to the pandemic creates uncertainty regarding to the ultimate impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Due to uncertainties related to duration and severity of COVID-19, we may make changes in the judgments and estimates needed to apply the Company’s significant accounting policies that could result in significant impacts on the Company’s financial statements in future periods. Actual results and outcomes may differ from management’s estimates and assumptions.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from contracts with customers are generated through the following services: direct hire placement services, temporary professional services staffing, and temporary light industrial staffing. Revenues are recognized when promised services are performed for customers, and in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Our revenues are recorded net of variable consideration such as sales adjustments or allowances.

Direct hire placement service revenues from contracts with customers are recognized when employment candidates accept offers of employment, less a provision for estimated credits or refunds to customers as the result of applicants not remaining employed for the entirety of the Company's guarantee period (referred to as “falloffs”). The Company’s guarantee periods for permanently placed employees generally range from 60 to 90 days from the date of hire. Fees associated with candidate placement are generally calculated as a percentage of the new employee’s annual compensation. No fees for permanent placement services are charged to employment candidates.

Temporary staffing service revenues from contracts with customers are recognized in amounts for which the Company has a right to invoice, as the services are rendered by the Company’s temporary employees. The Company records temporary staffing revenue on a gross basis as a principal versus on a net basis as an agent in the presentation of revenues and expenses. The Company has concluded that gross reporting is appropriate because the Company controls the specified service before that service is performed for a customer. The Company has the risk of identifying and hiring qualified employees, has the discretion to select the employees and establish their price, and bears the risk for services that are not fully paid for by customers.

Falloffs and refunds during the period are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations as a reduction of placement service revenues and were approximately $400 and $700, and $600 and $1,300 for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Expected future falloffs and refunds are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as a reduction of accounts receivable as described under Accounts Receivable, below.

See Note 14 for disaggregated revenues by segment.

Payment terms in our contracts vary by the type and location of our customer and the services offered. The terms between invoicing and when payments are due are not significant.

Cost of Contract Staffing Services

The cost of contract services includes the wages and the related payroll taxes, employee benefits and certain other employee-related costs of the Company’s contract service employees, while they work on contract assignments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019, there were no cash equivalents. The Company maintains deposits in financial institutions and, at times, balances may exceed federally insured limits. We have never experienced any losses related to these balances.

Accounts Receivable

The Company extends credit to its various customers based on evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and ability to pay the Company in accordance with the payment terms. An allowance for placement fall-offs is recorded, as a reduction of revenues, for estimated losses due to applicants not remaining employed for the Company’s guarantee period. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded, as a charge to bad debt expense, where collection is considered to be doubtful due to credit issues. These allowances together reflect management’s estimate of the potential losses inherent in the accounts receivable balances, based on historical loss statistics and known factors impacting its customers. The nature of the contract service business, where companies are dependent on employees for the production cycle allows for a relatively small accounts receivable allowance. As of March 31, 2020, and September 30, 2019, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $2,250 and $515, respectively. The Company charges off uncollectible accounts once the invoices are deemed unlikely to be collectible. The allowance also includes permanent placement falloffs of $287 and $197 as of March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation expense is calculated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of five years for computer equipment and two to ten years for office equipment, furniture and fixtures. The Company capitalizes computer software purchased or developed for internal use and amortizes it over an estimated useful life of five years. The carrying value of property and equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of an asset group is greater than its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is written down to the estimated fair value. There was no impairment of property and equipment for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Leases

The Company determines if a contractual arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, current operating lease liabilities, and noncurrent operating lease liabilities on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company evaluates and classifies leases as operating or finance leases for financial reporting purposes. The classification evaluation begins at the commencement date and the lease term used in the evaluation includes the non-cancellable period for which the Company has the right to use the underlying asset, together with renewal option periods when the exercise of the renewal option is reasonably certain and failure to exercise such option which result in an economic penalty. All the Company’s real estate leases are classified as operating leases.

ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The lease payments included in the present value are fixed lease payments. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company estimates its collateralized incremental borrowing rate, based on information available at the commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company applies the portfolio approach in applying discount rates to its classes of leases. The operating lease ROU assets include any payments made before the commencement date. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company does not currently have subleases. The Company does not currently have residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants in its leases.

Goodwill

In 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating the second step from the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under this guidance, annual or interim goodwill impairment testing is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill.

Due to the recent decline in global economic and labor market conditions caused by the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company considered and reviewed the recoverability of its goodwill and determined, during the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, that no impairment charge was necessary. There were no other events or circumstances that have changed since the last annual test that could more likely than not reduce the fair value of the Company’s reporting segments below its carrying values.

Fair Value Measurement

The Company follows the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurement”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and enhances fair value measurement disclosure. Under these provisions, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The standard establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is described below:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

The fair value of the Company’s current assets and current liabilities approximate their carrying values due to their short-term nature. The fair value disclosures of the Company’s long-term liabilities approximates the fair value based on current yield for debt instruments with similar terms. The Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis using Level 3 inputs, as discussed in Note 6.

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per share is computed giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares. Potentially dilutive common shares may consist of incremental shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants and the conversion of notes payable and preferred stock to common stock. In periods in which a net loss has been incurred, all potentially dilutive common shares are considered anti-dilutive and thus are excluded from the calculation.

Common stock equivalents, which are excluded because their effect is anti-dilutive, were approximately 13,263 and 13,632, and 11,713 and 11,737 for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Advertising Expenses

The Company expenses the costs of print and internet media advertising and promotions as incurred and reports these costs in selling, general and administrative expenses. For the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, advertising expense totaled $553 and $1,037, and $576 and $1,148 respectively.

Intangible Assets

Separately identifiable intangible assets held in the form of customer lists, non-compete agreements, customer relationships, management agreements and trade names were recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition and are amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from two to ten years using both accelerated and straight-line methods.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

The Company recognizes an impairment of long-lived assets used in operations, other than goodwill, when events or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired and the estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated by those assets over their remaining lives are less than the carrying amount of those items. The net carrying value of assets not recoverable is reduced to fair value, which is typically calculated using the discounted cash flow method. The Company did not recognize and record any impairments of long-lived assets used in operations during the six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Beneficial Conversion Feature

The Company evaluates embedded conversion features within a convertible instrument under ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging to determine whether the embedded conversion feature(s) should be bifurcated from the host instrument and accounted for as a derivative at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. If the conversion feature does not require treatment under ASC 815, the instrument is evaluated under ASC 470-20 Debt with Conversion and Other Options for consideration of any beneficial feature.

The Company records a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) when the convertible instrument is issued with conversion features at fixed or adjustable rates that are below market value when issued. The BCF for convertible instruments is recognized and measured by allocating a portion of the proceeds equal to the intrinsic value of that feature to additional paid-in capital. The intrinsic value is generally calculated at the commitment date as the difference between the conversion price and the fair value of the common stock or other securities into which the security is convertible, multiplied by the number of shares into which the security is convertible. If certain other securities are issued with the convertible security, the proceeds are allocated among the different components. The portion of the proceeds allocated to the convertible security is divided by the contractual number of the conversion shares to determine the effective conversion price, which is used to measure the BCF. The effective conversion price is used to compute the intrinsic value. The value of the BCF is limited to the basis that is initially allocated to the convertible security.

The BCF for the convertible instrument is recorded as a reduction, or discount, to the carrying amount of the convertible instrument equal to the fair value of the conversion feature. The discount is then amortized as interest or deemed dividends over the period from the date of the convertible instrument’s issuance to the earliest redemption date, provided that the convertible instrument is not currently redeemable but probable of becoming redeemable in the future.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based awards to employees in accordance with FASB ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”, which requires compensation expense related to share-based transactions, including employee stock options, to be measured and recognized in the financial statements based on a determination of the fair value of the stock options. The grant date fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton ("Black-Scholes") pricing model. For all employee stock options, we recognize expense on an accelerated basis over the employee's requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant). The Company's option pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility, expected term, and forfeiture rate. Any changes in these highly subjective assumptions significantly impact stock-based compensation expense.

Options awarded to purchase shares of common stock issued to non-employees in exchange for services are accounted for as variable awards in accordance with FASB ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”. Such options are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

See Note 10 for the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock-based employee and non-employee compensation. Upon the exercise of options, it is the Company's policy to issue new shares rather than utilizing treasury shares.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.

We recognize and group interest and penalties, if any, with income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. As of March 31, 2020, and September 30, 2019, no material accrued interest or penalties are included on the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company provides the following distinctive services: (a) direct hire placement services, and (b) temporary professional contract services staffing in the fields of information technology, engineering, medical, and accounting, and (c) temporary contract light industrial staffing. The Company’s services can be divided into two reportable segments, Industrial Staffing Services and Professional Staffing Services. Selling, general and administrative expenses are not entirely allocated among Industrial and Professional Staffing Services. Operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance. Other factors, including type of business, type of employee, length of employment and revenue recognition are considered in determining the Company’s operating segments.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior period presentation have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.

3. New Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Lease Accounting. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASC 842”), which introduces the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous ASC 840 guidance. The original guidance required application on a modified retrospective basis with the earliest period presented. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Targeted Improvements to ASC 842, which includes an option to not restate comparative periods in transition and elect to use the effective date of ASC 842, Leases, as the date of initial application of transition. We adopted this guidance as of October 1, 2019 and elected the transition method provided under ASU 2018-11. This standard has a material effect on our consolidated balance sheets with the recognition of new right of use assets and lease liabilities for all operating leases, except for those leases where we elected the short-term lease recognition exemption, as these leases have a non-cancelable lease term of approximately one year or less. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations. As of the transition date, the ROU asset and total lease liability (current and long-term) were $5,900 and $6,341, respectively.

The Company elected the package of practical expedients available under the transition provisions of the new lease standard, including (i) not reassessing whether expired or existing contracts contain leases, (ii) lease classification, and (iii) not revaluing initial direct costs for existing leases. Also, the Company elected the practical expedient which allows aggregation of non-lease components with the related lease components when evaluating accounting treatment. Lastly, the Company applied the modified retrospective adoption method, utilizing the simplified transition option available in the ASC 842, which allows entities to continue to apply the legacy guidance in ASC 840, including its disclosure requirements, in the comparative periods presented in the year of adoption. See Note 5 for further discussion of leases.

Stock Compensation. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), which simplifies the accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions. The amendments specify that Topic 718 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in a grantor’s own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. The update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those reporting periods, with early adoption permitted (but no sooner than the adoption of Topic 606). The Company adopted the new guidance as of October 1, 2019. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Current Expected Credit Losses Model. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (“ASC 326”), authoritative guidance amending how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The guidance requires the application of a current expected credit loss model, which is a new impairment model based on expected losses. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company has not yet determined the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

No other recent accounting pronouncements were issued by FASB and the SEC that are believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future financial statements.

Depreciation expense for each three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $69 and $148, and $101 and $180 respectively.

5. Leases

The Company leases space for all its branch offices, which are generally located either in downtown or suburban business centers, and for its corporate headquarters. Branch offices are generally leased over periods ranging from three to five years. The corporate office lease expires in 2020. The leases generally provide for payment of basic rent plus a share of building real estate taxes, maintenance costs and utilities.

Operating lease expenses was approximately $611 and $1,270, and $700 and $1,500 for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The table below reconciles the undiscounted future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable lease agreements having initial terms in excess of one year to the total operating lease liabilities recognized on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2020, including certain closed offices are as follows:

Remainder of Fiscal 2020

$

1,029

Fiscal 2021

1,744

Fiscal 2022

1,620

Fiscal 2023

1,095

Fiscal 2024

831

Thereafter

449

Less: Imputed interest

(756

)

Present value of operating lease liabilities (a)

$

6,012

(a) Includes current portion of $1,616 for operating leases.

6. Intangible Assets

The following tables set forth the costs, accumulated amortization and net book value of the Company’s separately identifiable intangible assets as of March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019 and estimated future amortization expense.

March 31, 2020

September 30, 2019

Cost

Accumulated Amortization

Net Book Value

Cost

Accumulated Amortization

Net Book Value

Customer relationships

$

29,070

$

11,754

$

17,316

$

29,070

$

10,321

$

18,749

Trade names

8,329

4,669

3,660

8,329

3,958

4,371

Non-Compete agreements

4,331

4,221

110

4,331

3,570

761

Total

$

41,730

$

20,644

$

21,086

$

41,730

$

17,849

$

23,881

Estimated Amortization Expense

Remaining Fiscal 2020

$

2,243

Fiscal 2021

4,088

Fiscal 2022

3,469

Fiscal 2023

2,879

Fiscal 2024

2,879

Thereafter

5,528

$

21,086

The trade names are amortized on a straight – line basis over the estimated useful life of between five and ten years. Intangible assets that represent customer relationships are amortized on the basis of estimated future undiscounted cash flows or using the straight – line basis over estimated remaining useful lives of five to ten years. Non-compete agreements are amortized based on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective noncompete agreements, which are typically five years in duration.

The amortization expense for intangible assets was approximately $1,398 and $2,795, and $1,397 and $2,793 for three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

7. Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan

Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement

The Company and its subsidiaries, as borrowers, are parties to a Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with certain investment funds managed by MGG Investment Group LP ("MGG"). The Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan under the Credit Agreement, as amended, mature on June 30, 2023.

As of March 31, 2020, the Company had $15,015 in outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, of which approximately $14,958 was at an interest rate of approximately 11%, and approximately $57 was at an interest rate of approximately 17.25%.

As of March 31, 2020, the Company had approximately $100 available on the Revolving Credit facility.

The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by all the Company’s property and assets, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible, and whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or in which it now has or at any time in the future may acquire any right, title or interests.

Term Loan

The Company had outstanding balances under its Term Loan, as follows:

March 31,

2020

September 30,

2019

Term loan

$

41,578

$

41,905

Unamortized debt discount

(806

)

(1,208

)

Term loan, net of discount

40,772

40,697

Short term portion of term loan, net of discounts

-

4,668

Long term portion of term loan, net of discounts

$

40,772

$

36,029

The Term Loan is payable as follows, subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an Event of Default under the Credit Agreement or termination of the Credit Agreement and provided that all unpaid principal, accrued and unpaid interest and all unpaid fees and expenses shall be due and payable in full on June 30, 2023. Principal payments are required as follows: fiscal 2020 – $0, fiscal 2021- $889, fiscal 2022 – $1,779, and fiscal 2023 - $38,910.

The Company also was required to prepay the outstanding amount of the Term Loan in an amount equal to the Specified Excess Cash Flow Amount (as defined in the agreement) for the immediately preceding fiscal year, commencing with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019 (refer to Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement, below, and Note 15. Subsequent Events.). The Company does not owe any amount as of March 31, 2020.

As of March 31, 2020, the Company had $41,578 in outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan that have an annual cash interest rate of approximately 11%, plus additional interest at an annual rate of 5% in the form of PIK (noncash, paid-in-kind), which accrues and is added to the balance of the Term Loan on a monthly basis.

The Credit Agreement includes financial and other restrictive covenants. Financial covenants include minimum fixed charge coverage ratios, minimum EBITDA, as defined under the Credit Agreement to include certain adjustments, and a maximum senior leverage ratios. The Company measures and certifies these covenants quarterly. The financial covenants are measured on a trailing four quarter basis as of the end of each quarter. The Company did not meet its financial covenants for the trailing four quarters ended March 31, 2020. The Company received a waiver for missing the March 31, 2020 covenants and its future financial covenants have been reset under the Seventh and Eighth Amendments of the Credit Agreement (refer to Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement, below, and Note 15. Subsequent Events.).

The Credit Agreement also permits capital expenditures up to a certain level and contains customary default and acceleration provisions. The Credit Agreement also restricts, above certain levels, acquisitions, incurrence of additional indebtedness, and payment of dividends.

Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement

On April 28, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into Seventh Amendment, dated as of April 28, 2020 (the "Seventh Amendment"), to the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2017 (as amended, amended and restated, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"). The Seventh Amendment represents the most significant loan modification of the Company’s Credit Agreement since inception. The Company and its senior lenders previously entered into the Sixth Amendment on February 12, 2020, while negotiating and in contemplation of the larger loan modification contained in Seventh Amendment. (See Note 15. Subsequent Events.)

On May 5, 2020 the Company and its subsidiaries entered into nine (9) unsecured promissory notes payable under CARES Act Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”) and received net funds totaling $19,926 in order to obtain needed relief funds for allowable expenses under the CARES Act PPP. (See Note 15. Subsequent Events.). On May 5, 2020, the Company also entered into Eighth Amendment, dated as of May 5, 2020 (the "Eighth Amendment") to the Credit Agreement. The Eighth Amendment served as the conforming amendment under the Credit Agreement to enable the Company and its subsidiaries to enter into the PPP loans and additional permitted indebtedness in compliance with the Credit Agreement. (See Note 15. Subsequent Events.)

8. Accrued Compensation

Accrued Compensation, is comprised of accrued wages, the related payroll taxes, employee benefits of the Company's employees, including those working on contract assignments, commissions earned and not yet paid and estimated commissions and bonuses payable.

9. Subordinated Debt – Convertible and Non-Convertible

The Company had outstanding balances under its Convertible and Non-Convertible Subordinated Debt agreements, as follows:

Short term portion of subordinated debt, convertible and non-convertible

-

(1,000

)

Long term portion of subordinated debt, convertible and non-convertible

$

19,113

$

17,954

10% Convertible Subordinated Note

The Company had a Subordinated Note payable to JAX Legacy – Investment 1, LLC (“JAX Legacy”), pursuant to a Subscription Agreement dated October 2, 2015, in the amount of $4,185.

On April 3, 2017, the Company and JAX Legacy amended and restated the Subordinated Note in its entirety in the form of a 10% Convertible Subordinated Note (the “10% Note”) in the aggregate principal amount of $4,185. The 10% Note matures on October 3, 2021 (the “Maturity Date”). The 10% Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a conversion price equal to $5.83 per share. All or any portion of the 10% Note may be redeemed by the Company for cash at any time on or after April 3, 2018 that the average daily VWAP of the Company’s Common Stock reported on the principal trading market for the Common Stock exceeds the then applicable Conversion Price for a period of 20 trading days. The redemption price shall be an amount equal to 100% of the then outstanding principal amount of the 10% Note being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon. The Company agreed to issue to the investors in JAX Legacy approximately 77,775 shares of common stock, at a value of approximately $400 which was expensed as loss on the extinguishment of debt during the year ended September 30, 2017.

Total discount recorded at issuance of the original JAX Legacy subordinated note payable was approximately $600. Total amortization of debt discount for the year ended September 30, 2017 was approximately $100, and the remaining $300 was written off to loss on extinguishment of debt upon amendment and restatement resulting in the 10% Note.

The Company issued shares of common stock to JAX Legacy related to the conversion of the subordinated note and the interest of approximately 261 and 410 for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 149 and 189 for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2019, respectively. The stock was valued at approximately $105 and $210 for each three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019.

On April 3, 2020 the Company issued 345 shares of common stock to JAX Legacy related to interest of $105 on the 10% Note.

Subordinated Promissory Note

On January 20, 2017, the Company entered into Addendum No. 1 (the “Addendum”) to the Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of January 1, 2016 (the “Paladin Agreement”) by and among the Company and Enoch S. Timothy and Dorothy Timothy (collectively, the “Sellers”). Pursuant to the terms of the Addendum, the Company and the Sellers agreed (a) that the conditions to the “Earnouts” (as defined in the Paladin Agreement) had been satisfied or waived and (b) that the amounts payable to the Sellers in connection with the Earnouts shall be amended and restructured as follows: (i) the Company paid $250 in cash to the Sellers prior to January 31, 2017 (the “Earnout Cash Payment”) and (ii) the Company issued to the Sellers a subordinated promissory note in the principal amount of $1,000 (the “Subordinated Note”). The Subordinated Note originally bore interest at the rate of 5.5% per annum. Interest on the Subordinated Note is payable monthly and principal can only be paid in stock until the term loan and Revolving Credit Facility are repaid. The Subordinated Note may be prepaid without penalty. The principal of and interest on the Subordinated Note may be paid, at the option of the Company, either in cash or in shares of common stock of the Company or in any combination of cash and common stock. The Sellers have agreed that all payments and obligations under the Subordinated Note shall be subordinate and junior in right of payment to any “Senior Indebtedness” (as defined in the Paladin Agreement) now or hereafter existing to “Senior Lenders” (current or future) (as defined in the Paladin Agreement).

On February 8, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries, as Borrowers, entered into a first amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the Subordinated Note, dated as of January 20, 2017 (the “Subordinated Note”). Under the First Amendment, the Company and its lender have negotiated and agreed to amend Subordinated Note to change maturity date to January 20, 2022.

9.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes

On April 3, 2017, the Company issued and paid to certain SNIH Stockholders as part of the acquisition of SNIH an aggregate of $12,500 in the form of 9.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes (the “9.5% Notes”). The 9.5% Notes mature on October 3, 2021 (the “Maturity Date”). The 9.5% Notes are convertible into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a conversion price equal to $5.83 per share. Interest on the 9.5% Notes accrues at the rate of 9.5% per annum and is payable quarterly in arrears on June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31, beginning on June 30, 2017, on each conversion date with respect to the 9.5% Notes (as to that principal amount then being converted), and on the Maturity Date (each such date, an “Interest Payment Date”). At the option of the Company, interest may be paid on an Interest Payment Date either in cash or in shares of Common Stock of the Company, which Common Stock shall be valued based on the terms of the agreement, subject to certain limitations defined in the loan agreement. Each of the 9.5% Notes is subordinated in payment to the obligations of the Company under its Credit Agreement (see Note 6) pursuant to Subordination and Inter-creditor Agreements dated as of March 31, 2017 by and among the Company, the Credit Agreement lenders, and each of the holders of the 9.5% Notes.

The Company issued shares of common stock to the SNI Sellers related to interest of $300 on the 9.5% Notes of approximately 706 and 1,108 for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 367 and 498 for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2019, respectively. The stock was valued at approximately $300 and $600 for each three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019.

On April 3, 2020 the Company issued approximately 931 shares of common stock to the SNI Sellers related to interest of $300 on the 9.5% Notes.

On May 15, 2019, the Company issued and sold to members of its executive management and Board of Directors (the “Investors”) $2,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 8% Notes. The 8% Notes mature on October 3, 2021 (the “Maturity Date”). The 8% Notes are convertible into shares of the Company’s Series C 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred Stock”) at a conversion price equal to $1.00 per share (subject to adjustment as provided in the 8% Notes upon any stock dividend, stock combination or stock split or upon the consummation of certain fundamental transactions) (the “Conversion Price”). Interest on the 8% Notes accrues at the rate of 8% per annum and shall be paid quarterly in non-cash payments-in-kind (“PIK”) in arrears on June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31, beginning on June 30, 2019, on each conversion date with respect to the 8% Notes (as to that principal amount then being converted), and on the Maturity Date (each such date, an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest shall be paid on an Interest Payment Date in shares of Series C Preferred Stock of the Company, which Series C Preferred Stock shall be valued at its liquidation value. All or any portion of the 8% Notes may be redeemed by the Company for cash at any time. The redemption price shall be an amount equal to 100% of the then outstanding principal amount of the 8% Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid PIK interest thereon. The Company may, at its option, prepay any portion of the principal amount of the 8% Notes without the prior consent of the holders thereof; provided, however, that any prepayments of the 8% Notes shall be made on a pro rata basis to all holders of 8% Notes based on the aggregate principal amount of 8% Notes held by such holders. The Company shall be required to prepay the 8% Notes together with accrued and unpaid PIK interest thereon upon the consummation by the Company of any Change of Control.

For purposes of the 8% Notes, a Change of Control of the Company shall mean any of the following: (A) the Company effects any sale of all or substantially all of its assets in one transaction or a series of related transactions or (B) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation), the result of which is that any person or entity together with their affiliates, becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Common Stock of the Company. Each of the 8% Notes is subordinated in payment to the obligations of the Company to the lenders parties to that certain Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2017, as amended, by and among the Company, the Company’s subsidiaries named as borrowers therein (collectively with the Company, the “Borrowers”), the senior lenders named therein and MGG Investment Group LP, as administrative agent and collateral agent (the “Agent”) for the senior lenders (the “Senior Credit Agreement”), pursuant to those certain Subordination and Intercreditor Agreements, each dated as of May 15, 2019 by and among the Company, the Borrowers, the Agent and each of the holders of the 8% Notes.

The Company issued approximately 42 shares and 83 shares of Series C Preferred Stock to Investors related to interest of $42 and $83 on the 8% Notes for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020, respectively. There were no shares issued for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2019.

The BCF for the 8% Notes is recorded as a discount to their carrying value and is equal to the fair value of the conversion feature. The discount will be amortized as interest over the period from the date of issuance to maturity. The total BCF recorded was approximately $841. For the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020, the Company amortized approximately $80 and $160, and of debt discount, respectively.

On April 28, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into Seventh Amendment to the Credit Agreement. Under the Seventh Amendment, the Company has agreed to the condition that it will pursue, negotiate and execute conversions of all of the Company’s outstanding subordinated debt and preferred stock into shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company has up to 60 days after the effective date of the Seventh Amendment (until June 27, 2020) to enter into definitive agreements with all parties to effect the conversions and up to 90 days thereafter (until September 25, 2020) to obtain required shareholder approvals and execute the conversions, with the provision that the Company may be granted another 30 days by Lenders at their discretion. In the event the Company is unable to satisfactorily meet the conversion condition within the specified time frames, an Event of Default under the Credit Agreement will be deemed to have occurred. (See Note 15. Subsequent Events.)

During six-month period ended March 31, 2019, the Company issued 250 shares of common stock for the conversion of approximately 250 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, respectively (See Note 11).

Restricted Stock

The Company did not grant restricted stock during six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. Stock-based compensation expense attributable to restricted stock was $130 and $885, and $200 and $400 during the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of March 31, 2020, there was approximately $700 of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock outstanding. On November 23, 2019, 500 shares of restricted common stock held by the Company’s former president became fully vested upon his passing. These shares were issued during six-month period ended March 31, 2020. No shares were issued during the six-month period ended March 31, 2019.

A summary of restricted stock activity is presented as follows:

Number of

Shares

Weighted Average Fair Value ($)

Non-vested restricted stock outstanding as of September 30, 2019

1,500

1.76

Issued

(500

)

2.21

Non-vested restricted stock outstanding as of March 31, 2020

1,000

1.53

Warrants

No warrants were granted or exercised during the six-month period ended March 31, 2020.

As of March 31, 2020, there were stock options outstanding under the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan and the Company’s Amended and Restated 2013 Incentive Stock Plan. Both plans were approved by the shareholders. The plans granted specified numbers of options to non-employee directors, and they authorized the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors to grant either incentive or non-statutory stock options to employees. Vesting periods are established by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant. All stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019 were non-statutory stock options, had exercise prices equal to the market price on the date of grant, and had expiration dates ten years from the date of grant.

Stock-based compensation expense attributable to stock options and warrants was $226 and $68, and $300 and $700 for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of March 31, 2020, there was approximately $960 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options outstanding, and the weighted average vesting period for those options was 3.96 years.

A summary of stock option activity is as follows:

Number of

Shares

Weighted Average Exercise Price per share ($)

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)

Total Intrinsic Value of Options ($)

Options outstanding as of September 30, 2019

1,734

3.22

7.84

-

Granted

-

-

Forfeited/Expired

(202

)

2.79

Options outstanding as of December 31, 2019

1,532

3.27

7.80

-

Granted

-

-

Forfeited/Expired

(42

)

6.70

Options outstanding as of March 31, 2020

1,490

3.17

7.61

-

Exercisable as of September 30, 2019

720

4.24

6.50

-

Exercisable as of March 31, 2020

757

3.85

7.01

-

11. Mezzanine Equity

Series A Convertible Preferred Stock

On April 3, 2017, the Company filed a Statement of Resolution Establishing its Series A Preferred Stock with the State of Illinois. (the Resolution Establishing Series”). Pursuant to the Resolution Establishing Series, the Company designated 160 shares of its authorized preferred stock as Series A Preferred Stock. There are no shares issued and outstanding under this designation.

Series B Convertible Preferred Stock

On April 3, 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of approximately 5,900 shares of no-par value, Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to certain of the SNIH Stockholders as part of the SNIH acquisition. The no par value, Series B Convertible Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference equal to $4.86 per share and ranks senior to all "Junior Securities" (including the Company's Common Stock) with respect to any distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary.

In the event that the Company declares or pays a dividend or distribution on its Common Stock, whether such dividend or distribution is payable in cash, securities or other property, including the purchase or redemption by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of shares of Common Stock for cash, securities or property, the Company is required to simultaneously declare and pay a dividend on the no par value, Series B Convertible Preferred Stock on a pro rata basis with the Common Stock determined on an as-converted basis assuming all shares had been converted as of immediately prior to the record date of the applicable dividend or distribution.

Except as set forth in the Resolution Establishing Series or as may be required by Illinois law, the holders of the no par value, Series B Convertible Preferred Stock have no voting rights. Pursuant to the Resolution Establishing Series, without the prior written consent of holders of not less than a majority of the then total outstanding Shares of no par value, Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, voting separately as a single class, the Company shall not create, or authorize the creation of, any additional class or series of capital stock of the Company (or any security convertible into or exercisable for any class or series of capital stock of the Company) that ranks pari passu with or superior to the no par value, Series B Convertible Preferred Stock in relative rights, preferences or privileges (including with respect to dividends, liquidation or voting).

Each share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of the holder thereof into one share of Common Stock at an initial conversion price equal to $4.86 per share, which is subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock combinations, capital reorganizations, reclassifications, consolidations, mergers or sales, as set forth in the Resolution Establishing Series.

None of the shares of no par value, Series B Preferred Stock issued to the SNIH Stockholders are registered under the Securities Act. Each of the SNIH Stockholders who received shares of Series B Preferred Stock is an accredited investor. The issuance of the shares of no par value, Series B Preferred Stock to such SNIH Stockholders is exempt from the registration requirements of the Act in reliance on an exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Act.

Based on the terms of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, if certain fundamental transactions were to occur, the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock would require redemption, which precludes permanent equity classification on the accompanying consolidated Balance Sheet.

During six-month period ended March 31, 2019, the Company issued 250 shares of common stock for the conversion of approximately 250 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock.

Series C Convertible Preferred Stock

On May 17, 2019, the Company filed a Statement of Resolution Establishing its Series C Preferred Stock with the State of Illinois. (the Resolution Establishing Series”). Pursuant to the Resolution Establishing Series, the Company designated 3,000 shares of its authorized preferred stock as “Series C 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock”, without par value. The Series C Preferred Stock has a Liquidation Value equal to $1.00 per share and ranks pari passu with the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”) and senior to all “Junior Securities” (including the Company’s Common Stock) with respect to any distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary. Holders of shares of Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to receive an annual non-cash (“PIK”) dividend of 8% of the Liquidation Value per share. Such dividend shall be payable quarterly on June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31 of each year commencing on June 30, 2019, in preference to any dividend paid on or declared and set aside for the Series B Preferred Stock or any Junior Securities and shall be paid-in-kind in additional shares of Series C Preferred Stock. Except as set forth in the Resolution Establishing Series or as may be required by Illinois law, the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock have no voting rights.

Pursuant to the Resolution Establishing Series, without the prior written consent of holders of not less than a majority of the then total outstanding Shares of Series C Preferred Stock, voting separately as a single class, the Company shall not create, or authorize the creation of, any additional class or series of capital stock of the Company (or any security convertible into or exercisable for any class or series of capital stock of the Company) that ranks superior to the Series C Preferred Stock in relative rights, preferences or privileges (including with respect to dividends, liquidation or voting). Each share of Series C Preferred Stock shall be convertible at the option of the holder thereof into one share of Common Stock at an initial conversion price equal to $1.00 per share, each as subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock combinations, capital reorganizations, reclassifications, consolidations, mergers or sales, as set forth in the Resolution Establishing Series.

The Company issued approximately 42 shares and 83 shares of Series C Preferred Stock to Investors related to interest of $42 and $83 on the 8% Notes during three and six-month periods ending March 31, 2020, respectively. There were no shares issued for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2019.

Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement

On April 28, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into Seventh Amendment to the Credit Agreement. Under the Seventh Amendment, the Company has agreed to the condition that it will pursue, negotiate and execute conversions of all of the Company’s outstanding subordinated debt and preferred stock into shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company has up to 60 days after the effective date of the Seventh Amendment (until June 27, 2020) to enter into definitive agreements with all parties to effect the conversions and up to 90 days thereafter (until September 25, 2020) to obtain required shareholder approvals and execute the conversions, with the provision that the Company may be granted another 30 days by Lenders at their discretion. In the event the Company is unable to satisfactorily meet the conversion condition within the specified time frames, an Event of Default under the Credit Agreement will be deemed to have occurred. (See Note 15. Subsequent Events.)

12. Income Tax

The following table presents the provision for income taxes and our effective tax rate for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:

Three Months Ended,March 31,

2020

2019

Provision for Income Taxes

10

(16

)

Effective Tax Rate

0

%

1

%

Our effective tax rate for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, is lower than the statutory tax rate primarily due to an increase in the deferred tax liability related to indefinite lived assets. Other than the deferred tax liability relating to indefinite lived asset, the Company is maintaining a full valuation allowance against the remaining net DTA position.

Our effective tax rate for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019 is lower than the statutory tax rate primarily due to a decrease in the deferred tax liability related to indefinite lived assets. Other than the deferred tax liability relating to indefinite lived asset, the Company is maintaining a full valuation allowance against the remaining net DTA position.

The following table presents the provision for income taxes and our effective tax rate for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:

Six Months Ended,March 31,

2020

2019

Provision for Income Taxes

181

506

Effective Tax Rate

-2

%

-7

%

Our effective tax rate for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, is lower than the statutory tax rate primarily due to an increase in the deferred tax liability related to indefinite lived assets. Other than the deferred tax liability relating to indefinite lived asset, the Company is maintaining a full valuation allowance against the remaining net DTA position.

The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various litigation that arises in the ordinary course of business. There are no pending significant legal proceedings to which the Company is a party for which management believes the ultimate outcome would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.

14. Segment Data

The Company provides the following distinctive services: (a) direct hire placement services, (b) temporary professional services staffing in the fields of information technology, accounting, finance, office, engineering, and medical, and (c) temporary light industrial staffing. These Company’s services can be divided into two reportable segments, Industrial Staffing Services and Professional Staffing Services. Some selling, general and administrative expenses are not fully allocated among light industrial services and professional staffing services.

On April 28, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into Seventh Amendment, dated as of April 28, 2020 (the "Seventh Amendment"), to the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2017 (as amended, amended and restated, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"). The Seventh Amendment represents the most significant loan modification of the Company’s Credit Agreement since inception. The Company and its senior lenders previously entered into the Sixth Amendment on February 12, 2020, while negotiating and in contemplation of the larger loan modification contained in Seventh Amendment.

The Seventh Amendment extends the maturity of the Credit Agreement from June 30, 2021 to June 30, 2023, lowered cash interest approximately 500 basis points (5%) per annum, postponed quarterly principal payments to recommence beginning June 30, 2021, and reduced the amounts of quarterly principal payments from the current $500,000 per quarter to $445,525. The Company has agreed to pay 5% PIK (non-cash, paid-in-kind) interest on the Term Loan only, which is accrued and added to the balance of the Term Loan and to pay a restructuring fee of $3,478 and an exit fee of $1,500, which became fully earned upon the effective date, but are payable upon the occurrence of a triggering event. The triggering events include a change in control, refinancing, maturity or other termination of the senior loans, and in the case of the restructuring fee, an acquisition by the Company also is considered a triggering event. In addition, the Company has agreed that for each six month period commencing with the period ending on March 31, 2021 and for each fiscal year commencing with the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2021, it shall utilize its “Specified Excess Cash Flow Amount” (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to repay amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

Under the Seventh Amendment, the Company also has agreed to the condition that it will pursue, negotiate and execute conversions of all of the Company’s outstanding subordinated debt and preferred stock into shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company has up to 60 days after the effective date of the Seventh Amendment (until June 27, 2020) to enter into definitive agreements with all parties to effect the conversions and up to 90 days thereafter (until September 25, 2020) to obtain required shareholder approvals and execute the conversions, with the provision that the Company may be granted another 30 days by Lenders at their discretion.

In the event the Company meets the conversion condition of the agreement, it will then have the option to settle the restructuring fee, exit fee, and accumulated PIK balance, each when due, in cash or in shares of the Company’s common stock. In the case of the latter, the amount or number of shares distributable to the Senior Lenders are to be determined using the most favorable conversion rate at which the holders of the Company’s subordinated indebtedness or preferred stock have converted their securities to shares of common stock of the Company in their conversion transactions. In the event the Company is unable to satisfactorily meet the conversion condition within the specified time frames, an Event of Default under the Credit Agreement will be deemed to have occurred.

On May 5, 2020 the Company and its subsidiaries entered into nine (9) unsecured promissory notes payable under CARES Act Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”) and received net funds totaling $19,926 in order to obtain needed relief funds for allowable expenses under the CARES Act PPP. (See Note 15. Subsequent Events.). On May 5, 2020, the Company also entered into Eighth Amendment, dated as of May 5, 2020 (the "Eighth Amendment") to the Credit Agreement. The Eighth Amendment to the Credit Agreement serves as the conforming amendment under the Credit Agreement to enable the Company and its subsidiaries to enter into the PPP loans and additional permitted indebtedness in compliance with the Credit Agreement.

The Company markets its services using the trade names General Employment Enterprises, Omni One, Ashley Ellis, Agile Resources, Scribe Solutions Inc., Access Data Consulting Corporation, Paladin Consulting Inc., SNI Companies (including Staffing Now, Accounting Now, and Certes), Triad Personnel Services and Triad Staffing. As of March 31, 2020, we operated thirty-three branch offices in downtown or suburban areas of major U.S. cities in fourteen states. We have one office located in each of Arizona, Washington D.C., Iowa, Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Virginia, three offices in Colorado and Massachusetts, two offices in Illinois, four offices in Texas, seven offices in Ohio and six offices in Florida.

Management has implemented a strategy which includes cost reduction efforts as well as identifying strategic acquisitions, financed primarily through the issuance of equity and debt to improve the overall profitability and cash flows of the Company. The Company’s contract and placement services are principally provided under two operating divisions or segments: Professional Staffing Services and Industrial Staffing Services. We believe our current segments complement one another and position us for future growth.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

Net Revenues

Consolidated net revenues are comprised of the following:

Three Months

Ended March 31,

(in thousands)

2020

2019

Change

Change

Professional contract services

$

25,794

$

26,732

$

(938

)

-4

%

Industrial contract services

4,471

5,095

(624

)

-12

%

Total professional and industrial contract services

30,265

31,827

(1,562

)

-5

%

Direct hire placement services

4,416

4,350

66

2

%

Consolidated net revenues

$

34,681

$

36,177

$

(1,496

)

-4

%

Contract staffing services contributed $30,265 or approximately 87% of consolidated revenue and direct hire placement services contributed $4,416, or approximately 13%, of consolidated revenue for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020. This compares to contract staffing services revenue of $31,827, or approximately 88%, of consolidated revenue and direct hire placement revenue of $4,350, or approximately 12%, of consolidated revenue for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019.

The overall decrease in contract staffing services revenues of $1,562, or 5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019 was primarily attributable to coronavirus outbreak that resulted in client closures, postponements in recruiting activities at some clients, and layoffs. Reduction in temporary workforce requirements and reorganization of a few key customers in the quarter ended March 31, 2020 contributed to the net reduction in revenues. Additionally, jobseekers are more hesitant to enter the process due to uncertain times and concerns over the face-to-face nature of the recruiting process. We are striving to leverage our digital capabilities to ensure we continue to recruit top talent for our clients. In addition to the Coronavirus Pandemic-related weakness in demand for our services beginning in approximately the last half of the month of March 2020, our professional contract services segment finance, accounting and office end markets and our industrial contract services segment experienced some contraction in customer orders in the March 2020 quarter as compared with the March 2019 quarter, which we estimate accounted for approximately $2,218 and $624, respectively, of the decline. Offsetting these declines were increases in the Company’s IT professional services end markets; the largest component of our professional contract services segment, which increased $1,279 in the March 2020 quarter as compared with March 2019.

Direct hire placement revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020 increased by $66, or approximately 2%, over the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Despite the relative performance of the contract and direct hire revenues in the March quarters year over year, since the Coronavirus Pandemic outbreak in approximately mid-March 2020, the Company has seen demand for its direct hire services drop significantly.

Cost of Contract Services

Cost of contract services includes wages and related payroll taxes and employee benefits of the Company's contract services employees, and certain other contract employee-related costs, while working on contract assignments. Cost of contract services for the three months ended March 31, 2020 decreased by approximately 7% to $22,767 compared to $24,459 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The $1,692 overall decrease in cost of contract services for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019 was primarily attributable to and consistent with the corresponding decline in revenues, which is discussed further below.

Gross Profit percentage by service:

Three Months

Ended March 31,

2020

2019

Professional contract services

26.6

%

25.0

%

Industrial contract services

14.1

%

13.6

%

Professional and industrial services combined

24.8

%

23.2

%

Direct hire placement services

100.0

%

100.0

%

Combined gross profit margin % (1)

34.4

%

32.4

%

________

(1)

Includes gross profit from direct hire placements, for which all associated costs are recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses.

The Company’s combined gross profit margin, including direct hire placement services (recorded at 100% gross margin) for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 was approximately 34.4% as compared with approximately 32.4% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019.

In the professional contract staffing services segment, the gross margin (excluding direct placement services) was approximately 26.6% for three-month period ended March 31, 2020 compared to approximately 25.0% for the three-months period ended March 31, 2019. This increase is primarily the result of increases in the amounts and mix of higher margin contract services business in IT end markets, including growth in several of the Company’s higher end IT brands during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2020, as compared with the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.

The Company’s industrial staffing services gross margin for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 was approximately 14.1% versus approximately 13.6% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019. The increase in industrial staffing services gross margin is due to an increase in the estimated amounts of return premiums the Company’s light industrial business is eligible to receive under the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation retrospectively-rated insurance program.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses include the following categories:

•

Compensation and benefits in the operating divisions, which includes salaries, wages and commissions earned by the Company’s employment consultants and branch managers on permanent and temporary placements.

•

Administrative compensation, which includes salaries, wages, payroll taxes and employee benefits associated with general management and the operation of the finance, legal, human resources and information technology functions.

•

Occupancy costs, which includes office rent, depreciation and amortization, and other office operating expenses.

•

Recruitment advertising, which includes the cost of identifying job applicants.

•

Other selling, general and administrative expenses, which includes travel, bad debt expense, fees for outside professional services and other corporate-level expenses such as business insurance and taxes.

The Company’s SG&A for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 increased by approximately $1,759 as compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2019. SG&A for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, as a percentage of revenues was approximately 37% compared to approximately 31% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019. The increase in SG&A expenses is primarily attributable to increases made in our allowance for doubtful accounts. A significant portion of the increase is attributable to a single customer of our industrial services segment who filed for bankruptcy protection during March 2020. Approximately $537 of the Company’s SG&A incurred in the quarter ended March 31, 2020, represents personnel-related costs associated with former employees laid off, effective March 25, 2020, in response to the downturn associated with the coronavirus outbreak.

SG&A also includes certain costs and expenses incurred related to acquisition, integration and restructuring activities, including corporate legal and general expenses associated with capital markets activities and not directly associated with core business operations. These costs were $776 and $592 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and include mainly expenses associated with former closed and consolidated locations, personnel costs associated with eliminated positions, costs incurred related to acquisitions and associated legal and professional costs. The net increase in these costs for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2019 is primarily attributable to costs incurred to align operational needs related to coronavirus outbreak.

Depreciation Expense

Depreciation expense was $69 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, which remained approximately level compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2019.

Amortization expense was $1,398 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, which remained approximately level compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2019.

Loss from Operations

As the net result of the matters discussed regarding revenues and operating expenses above, loss from operations increased by approximately $1,533 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2019. The increase is a function of a combination of factors discussed above, including the increase in costs incurred to align operational needs related to coronavirus outbreak, and recognition of provision for doubtful accounts related to a key customer who filed for a bankruptcy.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was approximately $3,065 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, which remained approximately level compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2019.

Provision for Income Taxes

The Company recognized a tax expense of approximately $10 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020. Our effective tax rate for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, is lower than the statutory tax rate primarily due to an increase in the deferred tax liability related to indefinite lived assets. Other than the deferred tax liability relating to indefinite lived asset, the Company is maintaining a valuation allowance against the remaining net DTA position.

Net Loss

As the net result of the matters discussed regarding revenues and expenses above, the Company incurred net losses for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 of $5,428 and $3,890, respectively. In addition to the items discussed above, other significant drivers of the Company’s net loss have been the interest costs associated with debt and the amortization expenses associated with the Company identifiable intangible assets.

The Company continues to pursue opportunities to selectively increase revenue producing headcount in key markets and industry verticals. The Company also seeks to organically grow its professional contract services revenue and direct hire placement revenue, including business from staff augmentation, permanent placement, statement of work (SOW) and other human resource solutions in the information technology, engineering, healthcare and finance and accounting higher margin staffing specialties. The Company’s strategic plans to achieve this goal involve setting aggressive new business growth targets, including initiatives to increase services to existing customers, increasing its numbers of revenue producing core professionals, including primarily, business development managers and recruiters, changes to compensation, commission and bonus plans to better incentivize producers, and frequent interaction with the field to monitor and motivate growth. The Company’s strategy entails both internal and acquisition growth objectives to increase revenue in the aforementioned higher margin and more profitable professional services sectors of staffing.

In approximately mid-March 2020, the Company began to experience the severe negative effects of the economic disruptions resulting from the Coronavirus Pandemic (“COVID-19”). These have included abrupt reductions in demand for the Company primary sources of revenue, its temporary and direct hire placements, lost productivity due to business closings both by clients and at the Company’s own operating locations, and the significant disruptive impacts to many other aspects of normal operations. These effects have and continue to be felt across all businesses, with the most severe impacts being felt in the commercial (light industrial) and finance, accounting and office clerical (“FA&O) end markets within the professional segment.

On April 28, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into Seventh Amendment, dated as of April 28, 2020 (the "Seventh Amendment"), to the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2017 (as amended, amended and restated, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"). The Seventh Amendment represents the most significant loan modification of the Company’s Credit Agreement since inception.

On May 5, 2020 the Company and its subsidiaries entered into nine (9) unsecured promissory notes payable under CARES Act Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”) and received net funds totaling $19,926 in order to obtain needed relief funds for allowable expenses under the CARES Act PPP. On May 5, 2020, the Company also entered into Eighth Amendment, dated as of May 5, 2020 (the "Eighth Amendment") to the Credit Agreement. The Eighth Amendment served as the conforming amendment under the Credit Agreement to enable the Company and its subsidiaries to enter into the PPP loans and additional permitted indebtedness in compliance with the Credit Agreement. The CARES Act PPP relief funds are the only source of financing available to our companies and businesses to help withstand the significant downturn and disruptions we are now undergoing and are absolutely critical to our ability to maintain operations, including the employment of our temporary and full-time employees, in order to produce and meet our foreseeable liquidity requirements in the midst of this continuing worldwide pandemic.

Management believes that the execution of the amendments to its senior Credit Agreement and the CARES Act PPP loans and related funding will provide significant needed relief to the otherwise negative effects of the present Coronavirus Pandemic.

Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 Compared to the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019

Net Revenues

Consolidated net revenues are comprised of the following:

Six Months

Ended March 31,

(in thousands)

2020

2019

$ Change

Change

Professional contract services

$

53,216

$

55,125

(1,909

)

-3

%

Industrial contract services

10,126

10,715

(589

)

-5

%

Total professional and industrial contract services

63,342

65,840

(2,498

)

-4

%

Direct hire placement services

8,895

8,880

15

0

%

Consolidated net revenues

$

72,237

$

74,720

(2,483

)

-3

%

Contract staffing services contributed $63,342 or approximately 88% of consolidated revenue and direct hire placement services contributed $8,895, or approximately 12%, of consolidated revenue for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020. This compares to contract staffing services revenue of $65,840, or approximately 88%, of consolidated revenue and direct hire placement revenue of $8,880, or approximately 12%, of consolidated revenue for the six-month period ended March 31, 2019.

The overall decrease in contract staffing services revenues of $2,498, or 4%, for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020 compared to the six-month period ended March 31, 2019 was primarily attributable to coronavirus outbreak that resulted in client closures, postponements in recruiting activities at some clients, and layoffs. Reduction in temporary workforce requirements and reorganization of a few key customers in the quarter ended March 31, 2020 contributed to the net reduction in revenues. Additionally, jobseekers are more hesitant to enter the process due to uncertain times and concerns over the face-to-face nature of the recruiting process. We are striving to leverage our digital capabilities to ensure we continue to recruit top talent for our clients. In addition to the Coronavirus Pandemic-related weakness in demand for our services beginning in approximately the last half of the month of March 2020, our professional contract services segment finance, accounting and office end markets and our industrial contract services segment experienced some contraction in customer orders in the first half of our 2020 fiscal year through March 31, 2020, as compared with the first half of our 2019 fiscal year through March 31, 2019, which we estimate accounted for approximately $4,658 and $589 respectively, of the decline. Offsetting these declines were increases in the Company’s IT professional services end markets; the largest component of our professional contract services segment, which increased $2,748 in the first half of our 2020 fiscal year through March 31, 2020, as compared with the first half of our 2019 fiscal year through March 31, 2019.

Direct hire placement revenue for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020 remained consistent with the six-month period ended March 31, 2019. Despite the consistent performance of the direct hire revenues in the March quarters year over year, since the Coronavirus Pandemic outbreak in approximately mid-March 2020, the Company has seen demand for its direct hire services drop significantly.

Cost of Contract Services

Cost of contract services includes wages and related payroll taxes and employee benefits of the Company's contract services employees, and certain other contract employee-related costs, while working on contract assignments. Cost of contract services for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020 decreased by approximately 5% to $47,729 compared to $50,271 for the six-month period ended March 31, 2019. The $2,542 overall decrease in cost of contract services for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020 compared to the six-month period ended March 31, 2019 was primarily attributable to and consistent with the corresponding decline in revenues, which is discussed further below.

Gross Profit percentage by service:

Six Months

Ended March 31,

2020

2019

Professional contract services

26.5

%

25.6

%

Industrial contract services

15.0

%

13.7

%

Professional and industrial services combined

24.7

%

23.6

%

Direct hire placement services

100.0

%

100.0

%

Combined gross profit margin % (1)

33.9

%

32.7

%

________

(1)

Includes gross profit from direct hire placements, for which all associated costs are recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses.

The Company’s combined gross profit margin, including direct hire placement services (recorded at 100% gross margin) for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020 was approximately 33.9% as compared with approximately 32.7% for the six-month period ended March 31, 2019.

In the professional contract staffing services segment, the gross margin (excluding direct placement services) was approximately 26.5% for six-month period ended March 31, 2020. The increase is primarily the result of increases in the amounts and mix of higher margin contract services business in IT end markets, including growth in several of the Company’s higher end IT brands during six-month period ended March 31, 2020, as compared with the same period of the prior fiscal year.

The Company’s industrial staffing services gross margin for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020 was approximately 15.0% versus approximately 13.7% for the six-month period ended March 31, 2019. The increase in industrial staffing services gross margin is due to an increase in the estimated amounts of return premiums the Company’s light industrial business is eligible to receive under the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation retrospectively-rated insurance program.

Selling, general and administrative expenses include the following categories:

•

Compensation and benefits in the operating divisions, which includes salaries, wages and commissions earned by the Company’s employment consultants and branch managers on permanent and temporary placements.

•

Administrative compensation, which includes salaries, wages, payroll taxes and employee benefits associated with general management and the operation of the finance, legal, human resources and information technology functions.

•

Occupancy costs, which includes office rent, depreciation and amortization, and other office operating expenses.

•

Recruitment advertising, which includes the cost of identifying job applicants.

•

Other selling, general and administrative expenses, which includes travel, bad debt expense, fees for outside professional services and other corporate-level expenses such as business insurance and taxes.

The Company’s SG&A for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020 increased by approximately $1,813 as compared to the six-month period ended March 31, 2019. SG&A for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020, as a percentage of revenues was approximately 33% compared to approximately 30% for the six-month period ended March 31, 2019. The increase in SG&A expenses is primarily attributable to a recognition of provision for doubtful accounts related to a key customer who filed for a bankruptcy protection during March 2020. Approximately $1,057 of the Company’s SG&A incurred in the six months ended March 31, 2020, represents personnel-related costs associated with former employees laid off, effective March 25, 2020, in response to the downturn associated with the coronavirus outbreak.

SG&A also includes certain costs and expenses incurred related to acquisition, integration and restructuring activities, including corporate legal and general expenses associated with capital markets activities and not directly associated with core business operations. These costs were $633 and $1,751 for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and include mainly expenses associated with former closed and consolidated locations, personnel costs associated with eliminated positions, costs incurred related to acquisitions and associated legal and professional costs. The decline of approximately $1,118 of these costs, is primarily the result of lessening acquisition, integration and restructuring activities in the first half of our 2020 fiscal year as compared with the first half of our 2019 fiscal year.

Depreciation Expense

Depreciation expense was $148 for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020, which remained approximately level compared to the six-month period ended March 31, 2019.

Amortization Expense

Amortization expense was $2,795 for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020, which remained approximately level compared to the six-month period ended March 31, 2019.

Loss from Operations

As the net result of the matters discussed regarding revenues and operating expenses above, income from operations decreased by approximately $1,723 for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020 compared to the six-month period ended March 31, 2019. The decrease is a function of a combination of factors discussed above, mainly due to recognition of provision for doubtful accounts related to a key customer who filed for a bankruptcy.

Interest expense for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020, increased by approximately $251 compared to the six-month period ended March 31, 2019. The increase in interest expense is attributable to an increase in the loan balances under the Credit Agreement for the six-month period ended March 31, 2019.

Provision for Income Taxes

The Company recognized a tax expense of approximately $181 for the six-month period ended March 31, 2020. Our effective tax rate for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, is lower than the statutory tax rate primarily due to an increase in the deferred tax liability related to indefinite lived assets. Other than the deferred tax liability relating to indefinite lived asset, the Company is maintaining a valuation allowance against the remaining net DTA position.

Net Loss

As the net result of the matters discussed regarding revenues and expenses above, the Company incurred net losses for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 of $8,991 and $7,342, respectively. In addition to the items discussed above, other significant drivers of the Company’s net loss have been the interest costs associated with debt and the amortization expenses associated with the Company identifiable intangible assets.

The Company continues to pursue opportunities to selectively increase revenue producing headcount in key markets and industry verticals. The Company also seeks to organically grow its professional contract services revenue and direct hire placement revenue, including business from staff augmentation, permanent placement, statement of work (SOW) and other human resource solutions in the information technology, engineering, healthcare and finance and accounting higher margin staffing specialties. The Company’s strategic plans to achieve this goal involve setting aggressive new business growth targets, including initiatives to increase services to existing customers, increasing its numbers of revenue producing core professionals, including primarily, business development managers and recruiters, changes to compensation, commission and bonus plans to better incentivize producers, and frequent interaction with the field to monitor and motivate growth. The Company’s strategic plan contains both internal and acquisition growth objectives to increase revenue in the aforementioned higher margin and more profitable professional services sectors of staffing.

In approximately mid-March 2020, the Company began to experience the severe negative effects of the economic disruptions resulting from the Coronavirus Pandemic (“COVID-19”). These have included abrupt reductions in demand for the Company primary sources of revenue, its temporary and direct hire placements, lost productivity due to business closings both by clients and at the Company’s own operating locations, and the significant disruptive impacts to many other aspects of normal operations. These effects have and continue to be felt across all businesses, with the most severe impacts being felt in the commercial (light industrial) and finance, accounting and office clerical (“FA&O) end markets within the professional segment.

On April 28, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into Seventh Amendment, dated as of April 28, 2020 (the "Seventh Amendment"), to the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2017 (as amended, amended and restated, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"). The Seventh Amendment represents the most significant loan modification of the Company’s Credit Agreement since inception.

On May 5, 2020 the Company and its subsidiaries entered into nine (9) unsecured promissory notes payable under CARES Act Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”) and received net funds totaling $19,926 in order to obtain needed relief funds for allowable expenses under the CARES Act PPP. On May 5, 2020, the Company also entered into Eighth Amendment, dated as of May 5, 2020 (the "Eighth Amendment") to the Credit Agreement. The Eighth Amendment served as the conforming amendment under the Credit Agreement to enable the Company and its subsidiaries to enter into the PPP loans and additional permitted indebtedness in compliance with the Credit Agreement. The CARES Act PPP relief funds are the only source of financing available to our companies and businesses to help withstand the significant downturn and disruptions we are now undergoing and are absolutely critical to our ability to maintain operations, including the employment of our temporary and full-time employees, in order to produce and meet our foreseeable liquidity requirements in the midst of this continuing worldwide pandemic.

Management believes that the execution of the amendments to its senior Credit Agreement and the CARES Act PPP loans and related funding will provide significant needed relief to the otherwise negative effects of the present Coronavirus Pandemic.

The primary sources of liquidity for the Company are revenues earned and collected from its clients for the placement of contractors and permanent employment candidates and borrowings available under the Credit Agreement. Uses of liquidity include primarily the costs and expenses necessary to fund operations, including payment of compensation to the Company’s contract and permanent employees, operating costs and expenses, payment of taxes, payment of interest and principal under its debit agreements, and capital expenditures.

As of March 31, 2020, the Company had $2,379 of cash, which was a decrease of approximately $1,676 from approximately $4,055 as of September 30, 2019. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had working capital of approximately $9,517 compared to approximately $8,534 of working capital as of September 30, 2019.

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $(2,066) and $227, respectively. The negative operating cash flow in the six-month period ended March 31, 2020 is attributable to negative income (lower operating income excluding depreciation and amortization) from operations and other net changes in working capital.

The primary uses of cash for investing activities were for the acquisition of property and equipment in the six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was primarily for payments on our term loan offset by proceeds from advances taken on the revolving credit facility.

Minimum debt service payments (principal) for the twelve-month period commencing after the close of business on March 31, 2020, are approximately $0. All the Company’s office facilities are leased. Minimum lease payments under all the Company’s lease agreements for the twelve-month period commencing after the close of business on March 31, 2020, are approximately $1,921.

The Company experienced significant net losses for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, and for its most recent fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, which also have negatively impacted the Company’s ability to generate liquidity. During much of this period, the Company significantly restructured its operations, made significant cost reductions, including closing and consolidating unprofitable locations and eliminating underperforming personnel, implemented strategic management changes, and intensified focus on stabilizing the business and restoring profitable growth. As a result, the Company has begun to see its operations and business stabilize. Effective April 28, 2020, the Company successfully negotiated and entered into the Seventh Amendment to the Credit Agreement with its senior lenders. The Seventh Amendment (as defined below) is the most significant modification of the Company’s senior credit facilities since inception and provides several important concessions and features, including extending the maturity by two years to June 30, 2023, and adjusting (reducing) cash debt service and thereby improving the Company’s ability to generate liquidity.

In approximately mid-March 2020, the Company began to experience the severe negative effects of the economic disruptions resulting from the Coronavirus Pandemic (“COVID-19”). These have included abrupt reductions in demand for the Company primary sources of revenue, its temporary and direct hire placements, lost productivity due to business closings both by clients and at the Company’s own operating locations, and the significant disruptive impacts to many other aspects of normal operations. These effects have and continue to be felt across all businesses, with the most severe impacts being felt in the commercial (light industrial) and finance, accounting and office clerical (“FA&O) end markets within the professional segment.

On May 5, 2020 the Company and its subsidiaries entered into nine (9) unsecured promissory notes payable under CARES Act Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”) and received net funds totaling $19,926 in order to obtain needed relief funds for allowable expenses under the CARES Act PPP. On May 5, 2020, the Company also entered into Eighth Amendment, dated as of May 5, 2020 (the "Eighth Amendment") to the Credit Agreement. The Eighth Amendment served as the conforming amendment under the Credit Agreement to enable the Company and its subsidiaries to enter into the PPP loans and additional permitted indebtedness in compliance with the Credit Agreement. The CARES Act PPP relief funds are the only source of financing available to our companies and businesses to help withstand the significant downturn and disruptions we are now undergoing and are absolutely critical to our ability to maintain operations, including the employment of our temporary and full-time employees, in order to produce and meet our foreseeable liquidity requirements in the midst of this continuing worldwide pandemic.

Management believes that the Company can generate adequate liquidity to meet its obligations for the foreseeable future assuming the negative economic effects of COVID-19 do not worsen, and that economic recovery occurs.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 31, 2020, there were no transactions, agreements or other contractual arrangements to which an unconsolidated entity was a party, under which the Company (a) had any direct or contingent obligation under a guarantee contract, derivative instrument or variable interest in the unconsolidated entity, or (b) had a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to the unconsolidated entity.

As of March 31, 2020, the Company's management evaluated, with the participation of its principal executive officer and its principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act"). Based on that evaluation, the Company's principal executive officer and its principal financial officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2020.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting or in any other factors that could significantly affect these controls, during the Company's six-month period ended March 31, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

The full extent of the impact of COVID-19 on our business, operations and financial results will depend on numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict. In evaluating us and our common stock, in addition to the risk factor below, we urge you to carefully consider the risks and other information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 (“2019 Form 10-K”), and filed with the SEC on December 23, 2019. Any of the risks discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or any of the risks disclosed in Item 1A. of Part I of our 2019 Form 10-K, as well as additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

Our business, results of operations, and financial condition have been and may continue to be adversely impacted in material respects by the coronavirus pandemic, and future adverse impacts could be material and difficult to predict.

Our business, results of operations, and financial condition have been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted in material respects by COVID-19 and by related government actions (including declared states of emergency and quarantine, “shelter in place” orders, or similar orders), non-governmental organization recommendations, and public perceptions, all of which have led and may continue to lead to disruption in global economic and labor markets. These effects have had a significant impact on our business, including reduced demand for our services and workforce solutions, early terminations or reductions in projects, and hiring freezes, and a shift of a majority of our workforce to remote operations, all of which have contributed to a decline in revenues and other significant adverse impacts on our financial results. Other potential impacts of COVID-19 may include continued or expanded closures or reductions of operations with respect to our client partners’ operations or facilities, the possibility our client partners will not be able to pay for our services or workforce solutions, or that they will attempt to defer payments owed to us, either of which could materially impact our liquidity, the possibility that the uncertain nature of the pandemic may not yield the increase in certain of our workforce solutions that we have historically observed during periods of economic downturn, and the possibility that various government-sponsored programs to provide economic relief may be inadequate. Further, we may continue to experience adverse financial impacts, some of which may be material, if we cannot offset revenue declines with cost savings through expense-related initiatives, human capital management initiatives, or otherwise. As a result of these observed and potential developments, we expect our business, results of operations, and financial condition to continue to be negatively affected.

Furnished herewith. This certification is being furnished solely to accompany this report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filings of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.